THE BUZZ: Performance and value are the primary push, with Ford execs boasting, "This is a $30,000 interior in a $20,000 car."

FAVORITE FEATURES: Bigger brakes and improved traction control that help make the powerful car easier to handle in slippery conditions.

SPECS: 300-hp, 4.6-liter V8 or 210-hp, 4.6-liter V6 engine; five-speed manual or automatic transmission; front engine/rear-wheel drive.

BASE PRICE: $20,000 (estimated)

THE RIDE: CADILLAC STS

THE BUZZ: With the STS, Cadillac delivers high style, high performance and high technology.

FAVORITE FEATURES: Remote starting; magnetic suspension system; DVD-based navigation system; display that projects speed, fuel level and turn-signal indicators onto the windshield.

SPECS: 255-hp, 3.6-liter V6 or 320-hp, 4.6-liter V8 engine; five-speed automatic transmission; rear- or all-wheel drive.

BASE PRICE: $40,995

THE RIDE: HYUNDAI TUCSON

THE BUZZ: Hyundai's first entry into the small-SUV market is well equipped to be competitive.

FAVORITE FEATURES: Fold-flat seats for extra cargo space; removable covering in cargo area that exposes tie-downs to better manage gear.

SPECS: 173-hp, 2.7-liter V6 or 140-hp, 2.0-liter in-line four-cylinder engine; five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission; front engine/front-or four-wheel drive.

BASE PRICE: $17,000 (estimated)

THE RIDE: KIA SPECTRA5

THE BUZZ: It's a sportier take on the all-new Spectra introduced last spring, with a sleeker look.

FAVORITE FEATURES: Sport-tuned all-independent suspension system for better stability; standard four-wheel disc brakes; 10-year/10,000-mile powertrain warranty.

SPECS: 138-hp, 2.0-liter in-line four-cylinder engine; four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission; front-engine/front-wheel drive.

BASE PRICE: $15,535 *

THE RIDE: PONTIAC G6

THE BUZZ: The G6 marries European car traits like dynamic performance with American sensibility.

FAVORITE FEATURES: The more aerodynamic styling, with the wheels pushed out to the vehicle's edges, gives it a sportier look.

SPECS: 200-hp, 3.5-liter V6 or 170-hp, 2.4-liter in-line four-cylinder engine; four-speed automatic transmission; front engine, front-wheel drive.

BASE PRICE: $21,300

THE RIDE: LAND ROVER DISCOVERY 3

THE BUZZ: Looking a bit like the upscale Range Rover, the Discovery 3 is more spacious than even

FAVORITE FEATURES: A new Terrain Response system that helps drivers enjoy the ride regardless of road conditions; air suspension and steering that make the vehicle more agile and comfortable.

SPECS: 300-hp, 4.4-liter V8 or 215-hp, 4.0-liter V6 engine; six-speed automatic transmission; front engine/four-wheel drive.

BASE PRICE; $44,995

THE RIDE: SCION TC

THE BUZZ: "Upscale on a budget" is an apt description of this coupe, which offers such standard equipment as a moonroof and an MP3 player.

FAVORITE FEATURES: Automatic headlights; turn signals integrated into the rearview mirrors; rear seals that can be adjusted in ten different positions.